Orange County activated its emergency operations center on Friday after two cities in the south county region declared local emergencies in response to damage from last weekend's storm. However, county leaders are split on whether the county itself should issue an emergency declaration.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley urged her fellow board members to declare an emergency. Foley stated that such a declaration is crucial for freeing up services and resources from both state and federal governments. She reported being in contact with Rep. Mike Levin, D-Dana Point, who agrees that a federal emergency declaration is necessary to access federal resources.
Foley highlighted "equipment problems" where seawater is impacting equipment being used for seawall construction. She explained that special equipment designed for seawater is currently needed, suggesting that a county declaration, potentially alongside a state declaration, could secure federal resources, even if it is just the necessary equipment.
In contrast, Chairman Doug Chaffee expressed that a county emergency declaration would be premature and could introduce several drawbacks. Chaffee noted that the county's head of emergency operations typically initiates such a declaration when necessary, but has not yet identified a need for one. Chaffee also cited potential financial disadvantages, stating, “There are some financial drawbacks if we do it at this time.” He warned that an emergency declaration might delay loan funds from the federal housing authority and could impact insurance rates for homeowners.
Chaffee maintained that current assessments show "no financial benefit to the county and no pending emergency right now." He affirmed that if a clear benefit arises at the appropriate time, the county would then take action.
Foley disputed Chaffee's concerns regarding insurance rates. She further pointed out that city councils in Dana Point and Laguna Beach have already approved their own local emergencies. According to Foley, officials in San Clemente and Newport Beach are also requesting that the county declare an emergency. Foley emphasized the importance of being proactive, even without rain in the forecast, stating that "Twenty more properties may be at risk." She questioned the delay, asking, "what does it hurt?"
In a related development, Orange County Transportation Authority officials announced on Friday that rail service through San Clemente will remain closed through the weekend as repairs continue following the storm damage.
